Norwegian is to launch yet more long-haul routes from London Gatwick with the addition of Chicago O’Hare and Austin to its network from late March 2018

Norwegian will fly to Austin three times weekly from Tuesday 27 March 2018 and Chicago O’Hare four times weekly from Sunday 25 March 2018.

The launch of Austin will create a second link between London and the city. Currently, British Airways is the only airline to fly direct between London and Austin.

Yet more expansion by Norwegian is a major headache for both BA and Virgin Atlantic. Norwegian can now claim to serve two US states not served by Virgin Atlantic: Illinois and Texas. Virgin Atlantic suspended Chicago this year.. BA has also coveted being the exclusive operator of routes such as Austin as it gives the airline pricing power in the market.

This is my route! I fly Chicago-LON a couple times a year. I’m a BA loyalist, for various reasons. Looking at what Norwegian offers, I don’t think I’d consider it. It’s only like $300 cheaper for the barebones ticket and it includes no food or anything resembling comfort. That and you have to fly into Gatwick, which is further out and less convenient than LHR. Maybe if I can snag a really good deal. But a 7/8 hour flight is a long time to have no amenities.